ACTON — The Town of Acton welcomed arts and culture planners from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) last week as it develops the Town’s Arts and Culture Inventory.
The group was hosted on June 26 by the Office of Economic Development for a comprehensive visit. The six-hour excursion began at the Town Common and included stops at several cultural and community landmarks.
The visit allowed MAPC to collect valuable insights and materials to support the development of Acton’s Cultural Arts Strategic Plan, expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The day started with a tour of the Acton Memorial Library and the Acton Arboretum, followed by an engaging and informative visit to the Discovery Museum, where the group was warmly welcomed by Senior Director of Marketing Ann Sgarzi. In South Acton, the group explored the potential of the Historic District, including a stop at Exchange Hall.
Next, the group headed to West Acton for lunch at Legend Café and viewed the recently unveiled public art mural painted by Elizabeth Bejar-Benz. The visit continued at NARA Park and YV Art Museum, and then the group explored the archeological significance of the Trail Through Time at the end of Wheeler Lane.
Traveling south along Great Road, they visited the Unity Bench and heard from artist Sunanda Sahay about the piece’s significance. The final stop was Powers Gallery, where Larry Powers led a tour of the John Robbins House.
The group was hosted by Patricia Costa, Director of Economic Development, with support from Select Board Members Alissa Nicol, Fran Arsenault, and David Martin, as well as Cultural Resource Planner Barbara Rhines and Acton-resident artist Sunanda Sahay.
MAPC will use the inventory to support Acton’s arts and culture planning issues, especially in the areas of community development, economic development, public health, and the built and natural environment.
From left to right, Fran Arsenault, Abbey Judd (MAPC), Sunanda Sahay, David Martin, Lafayette Cruise (MAPC), Alissa Nicol, Barbara Rhines and Patricia Costa during a six-hour excursion through the Town of Acton’s arts and culture. (Photo Courtesy Town of Acton) The group receives valuable information from Ann Sgarzi during a tour at the Discovery Museum. (Photo Courtesy Town of Acton) The group receives information from Yin Peet about her artwork at YV Museum. (Photo Courtesy Town of Acton) The group stands with artist Sunanda Sahay (third from left) who painted the Unity Bench located at El Huipil Mexican Restaurant. (Photo Courtesy Town of Acton) The group takes a visit to John Robbins House, which hosts the Powers Gallery. (Photo Courtesy Town of Acton)
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